Hypnotizing North Port principal attends graduation

North Port, FL -- A North Port principal known for hypnotizing his students got the chance to see the class of 2011 graduate Saturday night.

Last month, seniors submitted a petition with over a thousand signatures showing support for Dr. George Kenney. He's been on paid administrative leave after a 16-year-old committed suicide the day after Kenney hypnotized him back in April.

Students say Kenney's hypnotism technique help them with exams and the stress of school. Some of the students we talked to say tonight's ceremony wouldn't be the same without their principal.

"We're so ecstatic," graduating senior Ashley Renne said. "We couldn't find a better time for him to come back."

"This has been a difficult year, but we all came together," graduating senior Jose Castaneda said. "It makes me feel extremely excited. I'm a big supporter of Dr. Kenney."

The investigation into Kenney's techniques was expected to take a few weeks, but there is no word yet on whether he'll be allowed to return to the school.